A Visual Legacy opens at the Archives on January 27 and presents images commissioned by the City of Toronto or produced by its official photographers between 1856 and 1997. Taken for specific administrative purposes, the photographs in the exhibit provide an extraordinary visual legacy of 140 years of urban development, municipal initiatives and visiting dignitaries, politicians, religious leaders and celebrities.

The photographs speak to relevant urban issues and reflect the changing role of the City’s official photographers. Their primary focus began shifting during the 1960s from recording the activities of municipal departments and the city’s evolving infrastructure, to documenting official civic events and producing public relations and marketing photographs.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.